June 2012 Blogs

One of my favorite people in the whole wide world is the creative, friendly, girly, trend setter, 4 year old Ever. In just 4 years of life Ever has not only inspired the Rewrite Beautiful vision, but she also has inspired her parents to start ever/after. ever/after is a clothing line that gives 25% of each garment to the charity of your choice. If homegirl is doing this much at 4, who knows what she’s going to do at 14, 24 or 34, right?

That’s why her mom Christy and I decided to get this little empire builder on the right track of knowing what being beautiful is really about! Just from meeting new kids Ever has heard the clique message that being beautiful is being pretty, wearing your hair down, blah, blah, blah …So we decided the most fun, coolest way to teach her and her friends that beauty is really in your actions of creativity, kindness and strength was to give her a Rewrite Beautiful Birthday Party!

What I did was model the birthday party off of our Street Art Workshops. I brought some examples of what makes Cinderella beautiful. Yeah, Cinderella has great taste in shoes and chokers, but what make us love Cinderella is she was strong, kind, patient, faithful and a good sister!

Watching friends who’ve been through epically bad dates, heart ache and drama finally find partners who bring out the best in them!

The dancing! I take pride starting conga lines at weddings! So if you see me at one, grab my hips and hold on! However, the newest wedding trend I have seen over the years is the change to the Money Dance! Traditionally the Money Dance was a dance where wedding guests “Paid” the bride or groom for a dance. The money is supposed to go to spending money for the newlyweds honeymoon. But, a new trend is on the block and that is announcing to your guests:

“Guests! Instead of doing the traditional Money Dance we have decided to instead do a Charity Dance. If you would like to pay for a dance with us the money we collect will be going to our favorite charity, Rewrite Beautiful.”

The coolest thing is one couple has already done it! Steve Baker and Robyn Baker a Rewrite Beautiful Board Member and Eating Disorder Activist made this same announcement at her own wedding and donated over $250 to Rewrite Beautiful afterward.

I love this creative twist to tradition! Not only does it allow the couple to tell their friends and family about their favorite charity (Rewrite Beautiful of course) but, it also allows their marriage to start out in the posture of being community minded. Well done Steve and Robyn! You’ve started a beautiful trend!

If you would like to make a donation to Rewrite Beautiful please visit our DONATE page HERE.

What creative ways have you thought to highlight a charity at your wedding?

Beautiful Girl of the Week is a seriesof Beautiful Girls who are stand outs for what they contribute to the world through their beautiful actions! We feature the Beautiful Girl of the Week on the Rewrite Beautiful blog as an attempt to inspire other girls and women to use their own gifts and talents to impact their communities. Our hope is that bringing positive attention to women’s actions will inspire them to embrace their own creative calling!

They say, “In New York, you either sink or you swim.” Considering that Ashley is a part of the highly anticipated, rave reviewed, new magazine, Verily I’m gonna guess that Ashley is a swimmer! Verily is an INCREDIBLE magazine for young women who want to make wise choices, build their character and create their dreams! Seriously, I’ve never seen another one like it! Every article I read leaves me optimistic, strong and empowered. As the Relationship Editor of this trend setting mag Ashley, has many looking to her for advice, but by the looks of the strength of her inner beauty, this power house can handle it.

Irvina: Tell our sweet peeps about a fun project you’re currently working on?

Ashley: This summer, I'm so excited to head to Ireland with my sister and speak at an international conference to college students about beauty and healthy relationships! I'm so excited to explore the countryside with my sister and maybe even live one of my dreams - to ride a horse on a beach! But, wish me luck - I have a lot of writing to do before then!

Irvina: Rock on woman! Rock on! I love that you’re giving back this summer and taking time to explore yourself. So important to keep those even! What are you passionate about?

Ashley: I am passionate about so many things. But, in my heart of hearts, I am most passionate about helping women see and understand their inherent worth, and then live it out in thriving, loving relationships with others. For example, I have seen in my own life and in the lives of my friends that sometimes women don't believe they are truly beautiful or truly worthy of love, and so they unfortunately sabotage themselves from having loving relationships or settle for less than they were made for. I would love to see women truly understand how much they are loved by their Creator in a personal way. I would love to see women transformed by this knowledge and be able to truly love themselves and others in healthy, happy relationships.

Irvina: Are you my long lost sister?! Wow! We have very similar passions! I’m stoked to hear that because we’re pretty awesome! What do you do for fun?

Ashley: Fun is the spice of life and New York City has endless opportunities for it. I love finding fun and beauty in the everyday elements of life, from a conversation with friends, to an afternoon spent reading in Central Park with a latte in hand, to a spontaneous trip to a museum or fashion show featuring a new designer. Currently, I am trying to teach myself to play the guitar and learn to surf. But, I'm always up for a weekend trip away for camping and hiking, or an excursion to a new restaurant to check out a great new cuisine - Greek food is excellent!

Irvina: You’re definitely an explorer! Life is so much more fun that way! Whether it’s a hobby, a job or friendships what do you contribute to the world that you’re most proud of?

Ashley: "If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans." This past year, I have been swept up in an incredible adventure, working with four outstanding women and dear friends to launch a fashion and lifestyle magazine called Verily. Studies show that after just 3 minutes of looking at an average fashion magazine, women walk away feeling worse about themselves. But, Verily offers something different. It is a fashion and lifestyle magazine exploring how to thrive as authentic, modern women. We are daring to start fresh conversations -- style that complements rather than compromises, real relationship coverage that goes beyond sex tips, engaging articles that surpass tired rhetoric -- to discover the beauty in everyday life through fashion, relationships, lifestyle, and culture. We are trying to combine smart content, inspiration, beautiful design, and real stories that engage women from all walks of life in conversation. We want to present a magazine that speaks to real women - all of the interviews and journalism provide practical and valuable information with interesting perspectives on fashion, relationships, lifestyle, and culture not heard in other magazines. The website also has a blog that is meaty and thought-provoking with interesting tidbits every day throughout the week, too. Overall, we are trying to offer a positive, uplifting magazine that is a breath of fresh air and leaves women feeling affirmed and motivated. It has forced me to grow and embark on new challenges I never would have guessed I would be doing – but I'm holding on for the ride!

Irvina: I love Verily! I have been reading it since it was published and I’m seriously one of your biggest fans! It is like no other magazine I’ve read. Definitely for our generation of girls who want to grow to be strong women of character. Bravo! It’s a beautiful concept! Ashley, what do you wish young women knew about beauty?

Ashley: Women are called to bring beauty into the world in a very unique and specific way. Each woman has a role to play in bringing this beauty into the communities around her, whether through friendship, as a sister or daughter, as a girlfriend, coworker, or wife. Without her contribution, the world will be a little less beautiful. A woman brings beauty into the world through her loving relationships with those in her life - where two people are genuine and real with one another, and authentically helping each other to become the best version of themselves. The best way that a woman can come to understand her own beauty is by entering into a loving and personal relationship with her Creator and receiving His love into her heart, so that she radiates it outwards to others in whatever path she takes in life. Being beautiful is about daily making the choice "Today, I'm going to love."

What about Ashleys beauty inspired you?

Do you want to encourage the women around you to live well?

How would you do it?

Join the conversation below!

Thanks to our generous donor Tobias McGuire, we held a rad school program with the kids at MIKA Community Development Center! We are always so encouraged by the support of our community with these programs. We couldn't have pulled off this program with out the help of our donors, volunteers, photographers and now, even a clothing line - Element Eden! Element Eden is a rad So Cal clothing company that highlights Eden Advocates. Women who are visionary, whose stories exude creativity, passion and social awareness. From artists, to musicians, humanitarians and social activists. They were kind enough to tell their fans and readers about Rewrite Beautiful on their blog, Facebook and Twitter feed! They even sent me over this fun, creative, Element Eden dress! I rocked it at the MIKA school program. Thanks for keeping me clothed Element Eden! I'm glad to know you have the Rewrite Beautiful back (figuratively and literally ;)

Beautiful Girl of the Week is a seriesof Beautiful Girls who are stand outs for what they contribute to the world through their beautiful actions! We feature the Beautiful Girl of the Week on the Rewrite Beautiful blog as an attempt to inspire other girls and women to use their own gifts and talents to impact their communities. Our hope is that bringing positive attention to women’s actions will inspire them to embrace their own creative calling!

ROCKHARBOR is one of Rewrite Beautiful’s BFF’s and awesome donors! They have an amazing team of people on staff and Brooke is one of them. Brooke is the Pastoral Care Associate at ROCKHARBOR. Brooke plays a big role in leading and supporting multiple teams. However, our interview with Brooke today shows who she is outside of her job. It’s quite apparent that the strong woman who shows up for her co-workers, friends and family spends a lot of time being an authentic, honest, caring human being. Practice makes Brooke! Check this beauty out!

Irvina: Brooke tell us what you are passionate about?

Brooke: I am passionate about community and about the church. I genuinely believe that the church, when done well was a wonderful plan for the kingdom of God. I believe that healthy communities can prevent so much brokenness and can lead to beautiful growth in people.

Irvina: Funny, it sounds like we have similar passions! We believe when the world has healthy girls we can have healthy communities. It’s like we’re piggy backing off each other! Love it! What do you do for fun?

Brooke: I enjoy baking, although I hardly ever make time for it. I play the piano and I love a good book. My husband and I have a bad habit of getting addicted to TV shows and watching entire seasons in one night and spending countless hours with family and friends.

Irvina: Awe! That doesn’t sound so bad! It’s beautiful thing to have family you want to hang with. I’ve done the whole season thing before too. Can you say Pushing Daisy’s? What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Brooke: I went white water rafting in Switzerland...it doesn't sound that crazy, but it was.

Irvina: I think you’re the second Beautiful Girl of the Week who has gone white water rafting! I want to go so bad! I’m gonna make it happen! Whether it’s a hobby, a job or friendships what do you contribute to the world that you’re most proud of?

Brooke: I'm most proud of my relationships. Some of them are casual friendships, some of them deep intimate relationships and others are counseling relationships. In all I come in contact with the hope to be the person that they know will listen rather than always give advice and that when I do give advice that it would be sound and Biblical wisdom. I put a lot of effort in my relationships and I hope that people are blessed by me.

Irvina: I bet they are Brooke! Which action of CREATIVITY, KINDNESS and STRENGTH do you think you most exhibit in your community and WHY?

Brooke: I think that I most exhibit kindness, or at least I try to. I try and understand people as they are, love them where they are at and encourage them towards grace and wisdom. Unfortunately I'm far from perfect in this area.

Irvina: Haha! As am I! At least we’re trying! Who is the most beautiful woman you know and why?

Brooke: My mother is a very beautiful woman to me. She is a counselor to many, and loyal friend, a women of GREAT faith, and she is overflowing with character. I am grateful to have a wonderful role model to live up to.

Irvina: She sounds lovely. Brooke, what do you wish young women knew about beauty?

Brooke: I wish they knew that physical beauty fades, and it won't do anything for them in the long run. Time is much better used developing our character, personality, creativity, kindness and relationships.

What about Brooke inspires you?

Are you proud of your relationships?

Do you make time to be there for the people you love?

Do you make time for people who need to be loved?

Join the conversation below!

Beautiful Girl of the Week is a seriesof Beautiful Girls who are stand outs for what they contribute to the world through their beautiful actions! We feature the Beautiful Girl of the Week on the Rewrite Beautiful blog as an attempt to inspire other girls and women to use their own gifts and talents to impact their communities. Our hope is that bringing positive attention to women’s actions will inspire them to embrace their own creative calling!

I met Elana on a trip to India in 2010. We both went to learn more about the work being done by the non-profit Harvest India and to see how we could use our talents to help once we returned to the states. Being the creative woman Elana is she saw TONS of ways she could get involved and got right to it. For one she partnered with her friend and created an annual art show that benefits Harvest India. Elana has gone on to partner with other non-profit organizations involved in India sharing her gifts of photography, painting and writing. I’m constantly inspired by this talented and brave girl and know you will be too!

Irvina: Hey lady! Tell us about a fun project you’re currently working on?

Elana: I am currently working on a very important project...myself! I have spent the last several months working on an art show, Da:lit that benefits people in southern India. I put it together with my good friend, but after the show was over I decided to take a season of my life to better myself and allow myself rest and rejuvenation. It's important to take time for self-care and growth so that we can be effective and healthy participants in the world.

Irvina: Word! I’m a big fan of self care! We can’t help anyone if we’re not rested, relaxed and ready to rock! What are you passionate about?

Irvina: Awe, so much exploring! I love it! I’m personally on a mission to get rice milk cappuccinos carried in the local coffee shops! Wish me luck! What do you do for fun?

Elana: Lots of creating, traveling, yoga, running, spending quality time with people I love, reading (insatiably), scuba diving, trying new things, trivia, and taking long drives.

Irvina: Quality time! That’s a good Love Language! What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Elana: The craziest thing I have ever done (that I'm at liberty to discuss!) is lived in India for 9 months...because India, though AMAZING, is the absolute craziest place I have ever visited (and I've traveled quite a bit).

Irvina: Whether it’s a hobby, a job or friendships what do you contribute to the world that you’re most proud of?

Elana: I am proud to say that I have channeled my creativity and passion for other cultures into 2 major milestones in my life. The first of those was starting my own business as a wedding and event photographer, Elana Grace Photography. After graduating college with a degree in photography, I knew I wanted to tell the stories of others through a medium I had come to feel extremely passionate about. The art of capturing stills is the perfect marriage of technical know-how and artistic vision, both areas I love to challenge myself in.

Irvina: I love a woman whose up for a challenge! I’m constantly inspired by your work Elana, so please keep up with the challenges! Which action of CREATIVITY, KINDNESS and STRENGTH do you think you most exhibit in your community and WHY?

Elana: I am an inherently creative person (for which I am grateful!) and everything I do encompasses my love for the arts. Recently, I planned and hosted a benefit art show that raised money for Harvest India. It was the least I could do to raise community awareness of an amazing cause in India. Raising awareness and action through the arts and through creativity is something I absolutely live for! If I can spur people on through art to a worthy cause and inspire them to affect change in the world, then I feel I have lived up to a purpose greater than myself.

Irvina: “Spur people on through art to a worthy cause and inspire them” Shiz! I’m gonna use that! Who is the most beautiful woman you know and why?

Elana: Easy, my mother. She has not only raised me (which was more than a slight challenge at times), but she did so with grace, love, and creativity, all while inspiring me to be a better human being. My mother is extremely artistic and has a beautiful spirit that is fueled by challenge and adventure. She has the most amazing green thumb of anyone I know and is truly at peace in the midst of her abundant garden. She constantly aligns herself with what she believes is God's best and has kept a strong spirit through some extremely difficult trials in her life. She seeks to serve, love, and champion those in her life and accomplishes that in ways that constantly blow me away.

Irvina: Agreed! And what do you wish young women knew about beauty?

Elana: I wish that young women were aware of the power, passion, and internal beauty they possess that could literally change the world if they let them. Beauty has become associated to a very narrow view that encompasses only superficial looks, youth, and visual presentation. The idea of what's truly beautiful does not lie in what we see in the mirror but what our Creator sees in us...and we can be confident that we all have beautiful attributes to contribute to this life.

What about Elanas creativity inspired you?

What talents can you use to bring attention to a cause?

Join the conversation below!

Congrats to our Founder, Irvina Kanarek for being the youngest person to make it into theDaily Pilot Hall of Fame today! Recognized for her work in the Newport-Mesa community to prevent eating disorders with Rewrite Beautiful! Yeah baby!

Beautiful Girl of the Week is a seriesof Beautiful Girls who are stand outs for what they contribute to the world through their beautiful actions! We feature the Beautiful Girl of the Week on the Rewrite Beautiful blog as an attempt to inspire other girls and women to use their own gifts and talents to impact their communities. Our hope is that bringing positive attention to women’s actions will inspire them to embrace their own creative calling!

When I chose to throw a dramatic teenage huff and run away from home, I threw my jeans, a couple T-Shirts and a bottle of perfume in my backpack and ended up down the street at Rebecca’s house. Two hours later when I called my mom, apologized and asked for a ride to the OC Fair, Rebecca shrugged her shoulders and got in the car. In almost 15 years of friendship Rebecca has been there while I have run from and toward lot of things. I’m blessed to have had such a patient, genuinely caring and generous friend like Rebecca who helped me through those times. There is a verse in the bible that says, “To those who much has been given, much will be required.” I think of Rebecca as one of those people. She has numerous gifts of creativity, generosity and passion that are equally matched with her ability to kindly give those gifts to others. I have learned so much from Rebecca over the past few years about being a friend, a creative human and a good woman. I hope you learn some of the same in our interview today…

Irvina: Thanks for talking to us today friend! So tell us, what is a fun project you’re currently working on?

Rebecca: Well, I recently quit my full time office job in order to pursue two dreams: my own creative business, Sleepy Dreamer Designs and becoming a mom. It has been fun to spend some time deciding which direction I want my business to go in. I am currently working on graphic design projects including: wedding invitations, logo designs, blog headers, web ads and some work for Rewrite Beautiful! I am also just diving into the new and scary goal of starting my own accessory line. Wish me luck!

Rebecca: I am passionate about so many things. It is a quality I love about myself, but it can also get overwhelming sometimes when you want to do everything. Just to name a few, I am passionate about my faith, being kind to others, and being creative. I find that if I am not spending some portion of my time being creative I start to feel antsy. It is also so satisfying to be nice to people, especially when they least expect it!

Irvina: Now that I think about it your many passions are what I love about you too! You’re creative brain is always going! I love hearing you talk about being an FBI agent one minute and designing dolls the next! You’re not the average Goldie Locks and I like it! What do you do for fun?

Rebecca: Lately for fun I have been taking naps. But when I'm not pregnant I love to play guitar, sing, take photos, hike and try to surf!

Irvina: A nap after surfing sounds soooooooo nice! What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Rebecca: Skydiving was pretty crazy, I guess. I also had some adventures while backpacking through Europe, like participating in the biggest food fight in the world in Bunol, Spain and "canyoning" in the beautiful mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia.

Irvina: Yeah travel! So fun! Whether it’s a hobby, a job or friendships what do you contribute to the world that you’re most proud of?

Rebecca: I think the greatest things we can contribute to the world are the things that most positively affect others. I would love to say that I made some big change in the world with one of my creative or design endeavors, however I think that the little acts of kindness we perform throughout our lives add up to the most good. I also think trying to be the best mom I can be will probably be the biggest contribution I will ever make.

Irvina: I think your little acts of kindness have ALREADY impacted the world. You’ve been super nice to me and look how I turned out So, which action of CREATIVITY, KINDNESS and STRENGTH do you think you most exhibit in your community and WHY?

Rebecca: Creativity through my blog and Etsy site. I also recently taught a fashion design class to students in the little North Shore community of Hawaii I live in. Sharing my knowledge and working to inspire others to be creative and peruse their dreams was so fulfilling!

Irvina: Yeah! That’s what I like to hear! Who is the most beautiful woman you know and why?

Rebecca: I have been blessed with a beautiful mother. She is full of kindness, generosity, patience, hard work and a sincere love for others. She raised and supported our family of 5 basically on her own and just retired from 30 or more years of teaching special education. She has contributed so much to the world so far in her life and I hope to be half as beautiful as her when I am her age.

Irvina: Your mama is a pretty amazing lady! I see where you get it from! What do you wish young women knew about beauty?

Rebecca: I want them all to know something I learned the hard way. Beauty is not defined by how the world reacts to your outward appearance. Beauty isn't handed to you by someone else who thinks your beautiful. Beauty's source is from within. We all inherently have so much worth that might be hard for us to recognize at times, but we must keep reminding ourselves of our true value. When we realize our true beauty, we can exude that inner confidence that allows us to make the best out of our circumstances, opportunities and talents.